For proof of how having kids keeps someone young, look no further than John Dowd.

The 44-year-old from Ludlow doesn't race competitively as much as he did in his heyday on the AMA professional motocross circuit, but he is getting on the bike enough to keep his skills sharp - thanks to 12-year-old son Ryan.

John is at a track somewhere with Ryan almost every weekend, and it's certainly worked to the benefit of the rider known as "The Junkyard Dog."

Come Saturday, Dowd's prowess will be put to the test as he makes his yearly appearance in the field at the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Southwick National at Motocross 338. Anything resembling last year's top-10 finish would make the day worthwhile for the perennial crowd favorite.

"It's been a good thing for my racing, because it's keeping me out there more than I would be normally," Dowd said of the father-son outings. "It's definitely helped me stay in the game."

Could there one day be another Dowd circling the sands of Southwick to the cheers of the crowd?

"He likes it," said the elder Dowd, a Chicopee Comprehensive High School graduate. "He seems to have a pretty good talent for it."

Ryan Dowd will be one of the 15,000-plus in attendance cheering on his father, who will tackle a course that he could probably run with his eyes closed. Dowd says it was more of a competitive advantage in his prime, when he could run up front with the Ricky Carmichaels of the world, but it's still something not to take for granted.

As has been the case every year since Dowd went into semi-retirement, conditioning could be the big factor. Each race consists of two 30-minute motos, which physically challenges even the young, fit riders. However, Dowd often surprises even himself - as was the case in 2008.

"I kind of have all the 'oldest guy' records already," Dowd said. "I don't know if it's fun breaking your own record, but getting into the top 10 again would be awesome."

At the front of the 450cc field will be Australian star Chad Reed, who already locked up the 2009 points championship. While Dowd's best finish in the national standings was a pair of second places, he appreciates what Reed has accomplished.

"I had my times years ago, and it's a good feeling," Dowd said. "He could go out there (Saturday) and ride for fun."

The 250cc "Lites" class features a points battle between Christopher Pourcel and Ryan Dungey. While Dungey has four overall victories to Pourcel's three, it's Pourcel with the 13-point cushion with two races remaining. Last season's Lites champion and Southwick winner, Ryan Villopoto, is out for the season with a knee injury.

For the second time, the AMA Women's division will make an appearance at Southwick. Ashley Fiolek, the 18-year-old sensation who is 99 percent deaf, leads the standings by 49 points over Jessica Patterson.

Dowd expects strong runs from a pair of Massachusetts riders - Stow's Robby Marshall in the 450s and Peabody's Jimmy Decotis in the Lites. Decotis, who recently turned pro upon turning 18, is nicknamed "Rudy" for his 5-foot-4 stature.

The Lites and 450 classes will be televised Saturday at 9 and 10 p.m., respectively, on Speed Channel. 